Two years ago, I was well into my journey walking the Portuguese Coastal Camino. I look back at the Blessing for Departing Pilgrims that I received from my support group back in North Carolina -- American Pilgrims on the Camino, Raleigh Chapter. "May you find companionship on the way and guidance at the crossroads." On … Continue reading Camino Remembered: Vigo to Pontevedra
faith
Summer Camps: A Time of Growth
This time of year, many kids are headed off to overnight camp. That was the case for my friend's two grandsons, a first experience for the 8-year-old and second, for his older brother who's 9. For the parents and grandparents there was both excitement and apprehension. While various family members had attended that same camp, … Continue reading Summer Camps: A Time of Growth
Shopping Prayers: Jewel-Toned Answers
I once heard that God is concerned about the smallest details of our lives; whatever concerns us is of importance to Him. It's not that the thing has significance on a wide-scale but that it ties up our focus, our energy, and may preoccupy our mind with worry. In the early nineties, when I was … Continue reading Shopping Prayers: Jewel-Toned Answers
Answers to Prayer: The Synchronicity of Simple Things
Yesterday morning, I enjoyed sitting at my kitchen table, sipping my first cup of French Roast, and watching the interaction of the birds in my patio. I have a special fondness for the Eastern bluebirds, a couple who've taken up residence in my birdhouse and now have 3 eggs in the nest. The daddy is … Continue reading Answers to Prayer: The Synchronicity of Simple Things
A Good Friday Reflection: Growth Within a Chrysalis
On this Good Friday, I join Christians around the world in remembering Christ's journey to the cross. In the time leading up to the crucifixion, we read in Matthew 26:39 that Jesus says, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me." That request is made from Jesus's humanity and is something … Continue reading A Good Friday Reflection: Growth Within a Chrysalis
Understanding Psalm 23 Through a Shepherd’s Eyes
During this season of Lent, the 40-day period for Christians between Ash Wednesday and ending before Easter Sunday, I was drawn to reading a book that has been on my shelf: A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller. I've had it for years but never felt the pull to read it. Looking back … Continue reading Understanding Psalm 23 Through a Shepherd’s Eyes
New Year’s Goals: Finding New Strategies
We're over three-quarters through January and I'm looking back at how I entered this new year. In my post 2026: Focus on New Year’s Being, I was feeling residual restlessness, an irritated spirit from what had been a long holiday season. The most important thing was to check my anxious thoughts, my "immediate sensitivity" and become … Continue reading New Year’s Goals: Finding New Strategies
Solo Journey: Traveling back to My Hometown
This week I took a Solo Journey of sorts; I traveled back to my hometown of Sanford to do research for an essay. Unlike the 18 journeys I've taken to faraway places since I was forty-six, this was a quick thirty-minute drive. On those 18 journeys, I developed a pattern of starting each day with … Continue reading Solo Journey: Traveling back to My Hometown
Fear Not: Shepherds and Online Dating
This week on Christmas Eve, I attended a worship service like many other Christians around the world. The story of the birth of Christ was read and the verse that stood out for me was the following: And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy … Continue reading Fear Not: Shepherds and Online Dating
Christmas: Focus on Love
Now it's just days away from Christmas and time to finish all the preparations. The season's not as frantic as it was when I was working and raising our sons. But still, time goes by quickly and things I intended to accomplished will be left undone. This is the 4th Sunday in the Christian season … Continue reading Christmas: Focus on Love
Connie Rosser Riddle 